About our School

For 26 years, Delaware Valley Friends School has been a national leader in the field of educating students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, executive function disorders, and other language-based learning differences.

Proven, research-based curriculum

Delaware Valley Friends delivers a rigorous college preparatory curriculumusing research-based instructional methods and innovative assistive technologies to help students build the skills they will need to become successful adults and life-long learners. Our teaching professionals developed the DVFS Adolescent Literacy Programto address the specific needs of students in the middle and high school years.Based on Orton-Gillingham principles, it is the only school-based program in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey accredited by the International Multisensory Structure Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and among very few recognized by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) as a center for teaching and teacher-training excellence. Our reading remediation and assistive technologies are all fully and consistently integrated throughout the curriculum and school day.

A well-rounded school experience

Delaware Valley Friends offers a full array of electives and experiences outside the classroom, including a strong arts program, athletics, student government, community service projects, and extracurricular clubs and social activities. Our outstanding adventure-based learning program (ABLE) rounds out an exciting and confidence-building educational experience with regional and international travel opportunities.

The Quaker difference

Quaker values that honor differences and build students’ confidence are the fabric of daily life at DVFS. Teachers work with individual students based on their specific learning needs – and students often comment on how they feel cared for and supported. Our faculty, administrators and staff work tirelessly to help students identify and develop their strengths and progress in areas where they may be challenged. As a result, DVFS students come to fully understand both their strengths and challenges – and ultimately become strong advocates for themselves and how they learn. The Quaker environment fully supports this process.

A clear track-record of successful college placement

On average, 98% of DVFS graduates go on to college and university level studies. Our College Counseling department is uniquely qualified to guide the college-bound student with dyslexia or other language-based learning difference. By connecting students with college programs that recognize and meet their needs, and by asking the questions that make a difference to our unique applicant profiles, our students are supported to reach their full potential in college and beyond.

A global destination for families who value our successful program

Delaware Valley Friends School serves students from across the extended Delaware Valley region, including Philadelphia, central Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The school is conveniently located in Paoli, Pa., just a 3-minutes walk from Paoli Train Station (which has both SEPTA and AMTRAK service). Many students travel by rail to and from school, or are transported by their school district busing schedules. We also welcome students whose families have relocated from across the region, across the country, and even sometimes internationally to attend Delaware Valley Friends School. Recently, students have come to us from Florida, California, and Amman, Jordan.

DVFS does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or on the basis of national or ethnic origin, in admissions and financial programs, in the administration of its educational program or in employment policies.

Delaware Valley Friends School is for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other language-based learning disabilities as well as ADD/ADHD.

Delaware Valley Friends School is a member of ADVIS, the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools.